Governor Evers signed Assembly Bill 33 (AB33) into law on August 8, 2025. This bill, known as 2025 Wisconsin Act 33, transfers the adjudicatory functions for worker’s compensation claims from the Division of Hearings and Appeals within the Department of Administration back to the Department of Workforce Development.
This change reverses the 2015 law that moved functions to the DHA. This new law aims to streamline the process for injured workers and allow them to obtain justice for their on the job injuries in a more efficient manner.
The Department of Workforce Development will once more be responsible for worker’s compensation hearings, decisions and related proceedings similar to how they were handled prior to 2015. In addition to this monumental procedural change, here are some of the other benefits injured workers can expect:
- Increased Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits
- Lump Sum Payout Option for PPD
- Greater protection against job loss and claims for “Unreasonable Refusal to Rehire”
The bill also includes technical adjustments to existing law and statutes and updating some terminology. Overall the new law aims to provide greater efficiency and benefits for injured workers in Wisconsin. This new law goes into effect on January 1, 2016.
In order to fully understand these changes and their impact, it’s important to have the guidance and knowledge of an experienced worker’s compensation attorney. I have over 35 years of handling worker’s compensation cases for injured workers in Wisconsin and would be happy to help you with any questions or concerns over this new legislation so please do not hesitate to contact me at the phone number above or complete my contact form.
-Attorney Lisa A. Wiebusch
